Ever Mindful

         Ever Mindful

too long I've been sitting still
I drive out for a getaway
which in its meaningless manner
coincides with a holiday

of all the many trinkets
and novelties I might find
the souvenir unavoidable
is your presence on my mind

I see your every expression
and its purpose of annoying me
to mock my laid-back manner
unsatisfied with my buoyancy

the way you walk ahead
and leave me to follow behind
lets me know exactly how
I don't matter in your mind

you mangle with impunity
the statements I deliver
as if to cancel compliments
and doubly damn the giver

you snigger with your purse strings
to repay my attitude in kind
when holding you indebted
is the furthest from my mind

you read into my tea leaves
what's genuine or sarcastic
but I doubt that you can tell
the saccharin from the plastic

my intentions and conditions
are opinions you perhaps divine
though speaking for myself
I can't read what's on a mind

in my friendly best assessment
of your expression overtaxed
the pressure of your confusion
prevents your being relaxed

now we are gone separate ways
with no more ties that bind
but running from a friendship
is something you don't mind

so browsing in bookstores
and kiosking at nearby cafes
eats up all my downtime
waving my pen in novel ways

now back on an open road
I feel like I'm confined
inside a penitentiary
with you still on my mind